Closings

Severe Weather

New spring flooding outlook just released

Published On: Mar 07 2013 10:37:39 AM CST

DES MOINES, Iowa -

The National Weather Service released its second spring flooding outlook Thursday.

The report shows the flooding outlook from mid-March through early June across central and southern Iowa. Included in the report is a look at the Cedar, Skunk, Des Moines, Raccoon, Nishnabotna, Thompson and Chariton rivers.

As you might expect due to the continuing drought, the report shows "the risk of flooding from mid-March through early June is presently near or below average."

But flash flooding this spring is possible due to the near or above average snow pack in the state and frozen ground across northern Iowa.

The report said the frozen ground in northern Iowa that has created a "concrete frost situation."

This concrete ground is especially present this year north of Highway 20 in northern Iowa. The situation means "the risk of flash flooding in that region is higher than average -- until the ground thaws."

Presently, "stream flows across Iowa are averaging below average at most locations," said the report.

Drought conditions are persisting across Iowa with the worst conditions being reported in northwestern Iowa and across the southeastern counties.

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